Scotts Bluff County 4-H

Every year, Nebraska 4-H Month brings thousands of young people, parents, volunteers, and alumni together to celebrate all the ways in which 4-H helps youth find a place where they belong. Across the state, Nebraska 4-H invites community members to celebrate:

• 4-H Spirit Day on Thursday, February 1
• 4-H Volunteer Appreciation Day on Thursday, February 8
• 4-H Supporters and Donors Appreciation Day on Thursday, February 15th
• Day of 4-H Service or Give Back to Your Community on Thursday, February 22
• Leap into 4-H – Get Enrolled on 4-HOnline on Thursday, February 29

https://4h.unl.edu/4-h-promotion

Photo entries will be weekly opportunities for 4-H members to showcase their photography skills based on different categories. Entries will be uploaded to the Nebraska 4-H Website link (4h.unl.edu/photography-showcase) by midnight on Sundays starting on February 11th. Watch the Nebraska 4-H Facebook and Instagram pages for the weekly theme categories. Winners will be announced later in the week with their photo on social media. There will be 4-H Swag prizes given to all category winners.

More information is available at https://4h.unl.edu/photography-showcase.

Hello 4-H Families! As we embark on a new 4-H programming year, all 4-H families will enroll in clubs and projects through 4HOnline at v2.4honline.com.

If you are a returning member, go to v2.4honline.com and log in with your email address and password. Once logged in, you can update and add members and member information along with projects and clubs. Required fields are marked with red asterisk.

4HOnline is a web-based enrollment system that will allow families to enroll in 4-H on your personal computer or mobile device. If you do not have internet access at home, feel free to stop by the Nebraska Extension office and use our computers. You'll be able to complete all of the information necessary to join 4-H online, including 4-H code of conduct forms and health forms. There will be no paper forms to submit for enrollment.

Members may enroll at any time during the year, but to be eligible for County Fair and State Contests these enrollment deadlines need to be met:

Re-Enrollment - If you were enrolled in 4-H in 2023 or previous years, enroll online and pay the $5 fee to the Extension Office. If you are a returning member and haven't enrolled yet, please enroll as soon as possible.

4-H Online member re-enrollment instructions
4-H Online new family member add instructions

New Enrollment - Youth who are joining 4-H for the first time are encouraged to enroll online and pay the $5 as soon as possible and no later than June 15 to be eligible for County Fair.

4-H Online new family enrollment instructions

Volunteers - Volunteers will enroll electronically. Returning leaders: If you have children in 4-H, log into your family account at v2.4honline.com and update your information. Volunteers without children in 4-H should go to v2.4honline.com, enter the email you have used in the past with 4-H and choose, "I forgot my password". A new password will be emailed to you. If you have any questions or concerns, let the Extension office help you!

Volunteers must re-enroll each year to retain status in years of service and for University of Nebraska-Lincoln liability insurance. Contact the Extension Office for more info.

• Volunteer enrollment instructions

Beef

4-H & FFA Beef weigh-in will take place at the University of Nebraska (UNL) Panhandle Research Extension & Education Center Feedlot on February 17 and March 16, 2024 from 1:00-2:30 p.m. The UNL Feedlot is located north of Scottsbluff off of Experiment Farm Road. Call 632-1480 if you need directions!

County tags are $1 each and we will have all the paperwork needed. If you are interested in showing market beef, breeding beef, and feeder calves at State Fair, you will need an EID tag ($3) and MUST submit a DNA kit for these animals. DNA Kits will be available at the weigh-in and are due to the Nebraska Extension Office before June 15. To finish your nomination for State Fair you must submit nomination information and fees online.

Contact the Extension Office if you have questions.

Sheep/Swine/Goat

4-H & FFA Sheep/Swine/Goat weigh-in/tagging will take place at the fairgrounds in MItchell on May 20 and May 23 from 6:00-7:30 p.m.

The Nebraska 4-H volunteer recognition program is designed to complement the tradition of recognizing outstanding volunteers and provide a standard and consistent approach to volunteer recognition across Nebraska. The purpose is to provide a base for Extension staff to sustain volunteers, build leadership potential, and offer recognition and praise for the great work of volunteers.

Timeline:

• Nomination Form Opens - February 8
• Nomination Form Closes - March 15
• Award Winners Announcement - Week of the Volunteer
• Awards Presentation - Nebraska State Fair

Nominations can be submitted by any 4-H member, family, supporter, or Extension staff member. Nominees must fit the award categories and can be a volunteer for any Nebraska 4-H experience. Some examples may include 4-H club leader, project leader, junior leader, county or state fair volunteer, special interest volunteer, such as robotics or shooting sports, afterschool club volunteer, 4-H camp volunteer. etc.

More information is available at https://4h.unl.edu/volunteer-recognition.

We are delighted to announce the Corn Yield Challenge, a prestigious contest open to 4-H members (aged 8 and older as of January 1st) and FFA members (in-school members). This competition is designed to guide participants through a comprehensive exploration of all facets of corn production, including aspects related to agricultural careers associated with corn production.

Key Features:

• Team Participation: Teams comprising two or more youth participants will collaboratively embark on the challenge.
• Innovative Practices: Youth will be tasked with implementing a production practice differing from the norm, with the goal of assessing its impact on increasing corn yield.
• Data Collection: The Corn Yield Challenge management summary will systematically gather crucial information, including yields, cropping history, and production details.
• Recognition and Rewards: Outstanding achievements will be duly rewarded with cash prizes and plaques for the top three teams:
• First Place: $1,000
• Second Place: $500
• Third Place: $250
• Special Awards: In addition to the top rankings, commendable efforts will be acknowledged through the "Extra Mile" and "Ag Literacy" Awards, each carrying a value of $200.

This competition not only fosters a spirit of innovation in corn production but also serves as a platform for recognizing dedication and excellence within the 4-H and FFA communities. We encourage all eligible participants to embrace this opportunity to showcase their skills and contribute to the advancement of agricultural practices.

For detailed guidelines and participation information, please refer to the https://cropwatch.unl.edu/youth/cornchallenge webpage or contact Brandy VanDeWalle at brandy.vandewalle@unl.edu.

Registrations for the 2024 Farrowed & Owned Swine Cohort close on Thursday, February 1.

This opportunity is designed to enhance the educational value of the traditional 4-H swine project by focusing on swine production, accurate record keeping, and industry knowledge and engagement by the 4-H member.

Visit 4h.unl.edu/farrowed-owned to get started.

The 2024 Special Garden Project is focused on the Princess India Nasturtium. This Victorian-era heirloom flower can be grown in a variety of ways including in containers. It provides a splash of color from its scarlet flowers and much of the plant can be eaten.

The special gardening project offers 4-H members an opportunity to grow fun and unusual projects in their gardens. Each year, a new plant is selected as the focus for all members enrolled in the project. Youth receive seeds that they plant and cultivate using project resources provided throughout the experience. 4-H’ers then have the opportunity to exhibit harvested vegetables or cut flowers or present their experiences through a poster or report at their county fair. Youth interested in participating must enroll in the special gardening project through 4-H Online. Learn more at 4h.unl.edu/special-gardening-project.

The Nebraska Extension Special Agronomy Project gives 4-H members an opportunity to experience a crop that is grown, was grown or has the potential to be grown in Nebraska. Youth participate by receiving seed and resources to grow the crop, research traits of the crop and determine the viability of that crop in the part of the state they live. The project allows 4-H members interested in agronomy to grow something fun, new, and different. This year, we honor a crop grown in the panhandle!

In the fourth year of the special agronomy project, youth will explore sugar beets! Sugar beets are a major contributor to the U.S. sweetener industry and occur in a vast range of different food products. Youth will be eligible to enter an exhibit at both the County and/or State Fair in the agronomy project area.

Enroll for the 2024 Special Agronomy Project through 4-H Online by enrolling in the Agronomy project and contacting your local Nebraska Extension Office to order packets of seeds. The local Extension Office will order and distribute the seeds to members.

For project specifications and details, be sure to go to the Nebraska State Fairbook at https://4hfairbook.unl.edu/fairbookview.php/rules.

Panhandle Cookie Bytes, a First LEGO League team secured a space at PREEC for a public sewing lab. Get started, reach out to the Sew Cool 4-H Club or Panhandle Cookie Bytes for a tour and lessons.

To contact them visit https://sites.google.com/view/cookie-bytes/home.

Fort Robinson Horse Camp – June 6-8

Fonner Park 4-H State Horse Show- July 13-17 – Grand Island, NE
There will not be a District Competition to qualify to ride at State. You only need to have passed the designated Levels Test(s) and turn in ID sheets to qualify to ride!

Age Division Change for 2024:

Elementary: 8-9 years (level 1 & 2 only)

Elementary: 10-11 years (any leel)

Junior: 12-14 years (any level)

Senior: 15+ years (any level)

Upper Mitchell Valley Scholarship

The Upper Mitchell Valley Scholarship is for $300 and will be awarded to an outstanding student who has been in 4-H within the last four years and who is interested in continuing their education. Payments will be made directly to the school of the recipient’s choice.

Application Deadline is April 20, 2024.

More information is available on the web site.

Panhandle Research Extension and Education Center Student Scholarship

The University of Nebraska – Lincoln Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center will again offer the “Panhandle Research, Extension and Education Center Student Scholarship.” Two scholarships of $1000 each will be awarded.

The application period will be open from March 1 to April 15, 2024.

To apply for the scholarship visit https://ssp.qualtrics.com/jfe/form/SV_5C05tjKSe78aTUq. Along with filling out the online form a letter of recommendation must also be submitted and emailed to dmccarthy2@unl.edu. The email subject line should be “2024 Scholarship Recommendation Letter (Insert Name of Student).” The application will be considered incomplete without the letter.

Applicants must meet the following criteria:

• Have attended high school in the Panhandle of Nebraska in one of the following counties:
• Banner, Blaine, Box Butte, Cherry, Cheyenne, Dawes, Deuel, Garden, Grant, Hooker, Kimball, Morrill, Scotts Bluff, Sheridan, Sioux, and Thomas
• Be attending any of the Nebraska University Campuses, including Nebraska College of Technical Agriculture.
• Majoring in Agronomy, Ag Economics, Animal Science, Vet Science, Agriculture Technology, or a related degree emphasizing agriculture.
• Be a graduating high school senior or in the first or second year of study.

Awards will be chosen by May 1, and applicants will be notified via email if selected.

For more information or questions, contact Deidra McCarthy at dmccarthy2@unl.edu or 308-632-1230.

Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation Scholarship

The prestigious Nebraska Cattlemen Beef State Scholarship awards a $10,000 scholarship to an outstanding college junior, senior or graduate-level student. Eligible students must be residents of Nebraska and be enrolled in a Nebraska college or university pursuing a beef industry-related degree. The NCF Beef State Scholarship application is due in the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation office on or before February 15, 2024.

The NCF offers numerous other scholarships with a $1,000 minimum that are awarded on the basis of academic achievement, beef industry involvement, and goals/quality of application. The NCF Scholarship application is due in the Nebraska Cattlemen Foundation office on or before March 15, 2024.

Find both applications on the website https://www.nebraskacattlemen.org/research-and-education-foundation.

Women In Agriculture Conference

The WIA Conference will be held February 22-23, 2024 in Kearney, NE at the Holiday Inn Convention Center. This year’s Conference features keynote speakers Ashley Machado and Dr. David Kohl along with a special event from renowned photographer John Noltner.

Registration and more information including the conference agenda can be found at: Nebraska Women in Agriculture Conference | Women in Agriculture (unl.edu). Early bird registration ends February 7th. Any student attending a 4-year college/university, 2-year college, a vocational/technical school, or a 4-H or FFA member may apply for a scholarship to attend the conference. Up to 15 will be awarded. Apply by Feb. 1, 2024.

Jarvis Memorial Scholarship

The intent of the scholarship is to assist women who live 3 or more hours drive from Lincoln but wish to attend the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Applicant must reside in Love Memorial Cooperative Residence Hall on East Campus.

Qualifications:

• Female born high school graduate (or soon to be) OR a UNL student who has not resided at Love Memorial Hall OR an undergraduate transfer student from another university or colege pursing any major for an undergraduate or graduate degree.
• Must have applied (minimum) or been accepted (preferred) to the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
• Must have requested residency in Love Memorial Hall.

If you have questions email Gloria Turnbull at gloria.turnbull@windstream.net. The applicaton is available at the Extension Office.

Application deadline: postmarked or email a PDF file no later than March 15, 2024.

Email: scotts-bluff-county@unl.edu
Website: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/scottsbluff-morrill/
Location: 4502 Ave I Scottsbluff, NE 69361
Phone: 308-632-1480
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scottsbluffco4h/

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